The 1911 is a great gun and platform. Is it the "best" for home defense, probably not. If the question were what should I buy, I would have said a boring G17 or full sized M&P just like in the previous replies.
But the OP has already purchased the gun so it's what he has to work with. Try sevseral ammo types and make sure it is "broken in" if needed before you rely on it. Make sure you try several types of defense loads not just cheap ball ammo. Remington has had some quality issues but their 1911's seem to get good reviews. I still say dry firing even a 1911 is a good thing. Parts are cheap and unless there are flaws in the quality, it would take thousands of repetitions for anything to fail. Get used to the trigger, the reset, the sights etc.
Also get to a concealed carry class. Even if you don't get the license, the training and especially the legal education is worth it. Read Allan Korwin's book, After You Shoot. It's a must read for anyone who wants to use a weapon for self or home dense. Good luck.